Sheffield Wednesday: Glenn Roeder to hit the skies in search of talent to take Owls forward

Chris Holt

New Sheffield Wednesday sporting director Glenn Roeder is prepared to clock up the airmiles in a bid to bring the best available talent to Hillsborough.

The former West Ham, Newcastle and Norwich manager was the focus of a surprising announcement this week as new owner Dejphon Chansiri revealed that Roeder would be part of a new football management committee, alongside current head coach Stuart Gray.

I will travel anywhere in Europe if there is an opportunity to sign a good player for this club

Glenn Roeder

Joining them in a three man team which could further rise in number, is Hull FC owner Adam Pearson, who has experience with Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Derby County.

While the role of each is yet to be fully explained at this stage, Roeder revealed that he will soon start his first task which will be to identify talent from around Europe and beyond.

“One of my strengths is recruitment, “ he said.

“I enjoy watching football in this country. I enjoy travelling into Europe.

“I will travel anywhere in Europe if there is an opportunity to sign a good player for this club.”

Roeder, who has been out of the game in a managerial sense since leaving Norwich in 2009, added: “We have a lot of work to do. We are excited. I love travelling and going to watch teams.

“I will go anywhere in the world if there is an opportunity to sign a player that will be good enough for us and give the team an opportunity to get back to where they need to be.”

Roeder, who said he had two previous ‘positive’ meetings with Owls chief, the Thai tuna tycoon Chansiri, admitted that he felt ‘lucky’ to be back in football with a club he clearly holds in very high regard.

“I feel very lucky to be here and I want to play my part in what will hopefully be a successful period for the club”, he added.”